Everything We Know About Prince Louis’ Christening
Prince Louis was born just over two months ago, with very few sightings of the prince since his birth.
Now, we are just a few days apart from hiss next public appearance for his christening. Here is everything we know about the little prince’s christening.
When Will Prince Louis’ Christening Be?
Kensington Palace announced that baby Louis will be christened on on Monday 9 July. Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby will conduct the service.
it seems that this time the parents have broken tradition when it comes to timing. Prince George and Princess Charlotte were baptized in the morning. But, according to the statement from the palace, Louis’ christening due to take place from 4 pm and last around 40 minutes with further details announced on the day.
Also, Prince George, who was born on July 22, 2013, was christened when he was three months and a day later, on October 23. Princess Charlotte, who is born on May 2, 2015, was christened when she was two months and three days later, on July 5.
The Venue?
Louis’ christening will take place at the Chapel Royal at St. James’s palace in London.
This is the same chapel where his brother George was baptized in 2013. Princess Charlotte was christened in different church, St. Mary Magdalene.
This venue, has one more special significance. Meghan Markle was also secretly baptized here in the months leading up to her royal wedding to Prince Harry.
Who Will Be Among The Guests?
When it comes to George and Charlotte’s christening, both of them had a small intimate christening. They had around 22 and 30 guests.
The Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles are expected to attend. After skipping Princess Charlotte’s christening back in 2015, we hope we’ll see Harry now joined by Meghan. It’s also likely that Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie will make an appearance, along with Charles’ wife, Camilla.
On the Middleton side, we’d expect to see Kate’s sister Pippa Matthews, brother James and parents Carole and Michael.
Who Will Be Louis’ Godparents?
Prince Louis’ godparents will be expected to be announced on the morning of the christening, with William and Kate again likely to choose mostly close friends for the role.
Bets are currently being placed on who Louis’ godparents will be. And for now, William’s private secretary, Miguel Head, is the favorite. His odds as godfather went from 2/1 to 5/4 in recent weeks.
Also William and Harry’s former nanny, TiggyPettifer is thought to be a choice. Pettifer is listed as 2/1.
Among the other possible choices are, Laura Lopes (Camilla’s daughter), Kate’s former private secretary (Rebecca Priestley) and more.
What Will Prince Louis Be Baptised With?
The members of the royal family are baptized with The Lily Font. It is a large silver-gilt font that has been used to baptise members of the Royal Family for the past 178 years.
It was designed by Prince Albert back in 1840 and is a gold coloured silver leaf font which features multiple cherubs playing harps.
When it is not used the Lily Font is kept in the Tower of London’s Jewel House.
The Significance For The Queen
It seems that this day will be extra special for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. And there is a romantic reason behind it. Louis’s great-grandparents announced their engagement on July 9, 1947 — exactly 71 years earlier.
Philip proposed to Elizabeth in Scotland in 1946. The lack of financial standing and place of birth would undoubtedly stir up controversy. So King George had them wait a year before their engagement was announced to the public.
The food
The guests that will attend the event, will try on a slice of William and Kate’s wedding cake. It was a fruit cake envisioned by Fiona Cairns.
Apparently, it is a tradition the bride and the groom to reserve parts of the cake reserved for the christenings of their children.
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